Category: Local Organizer
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation’s second largest public transportation system and covers the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs. On an average weekday, approximately 1.6 million rides are taken on the CTA.
The CTA is an independent governmental agency created by state legislation. We began operating on October 1, 1947, after acquiring the properties of the Chicago Rapid Transit Company and the Chicago Surface Lines. On October 1, 1952, CTA became the sole operator of Chicago transit when it purchased the Chicago Motor Coach system.
About Us
Natalie Kindred
Curriculum Development Coordinator
Natalie Kindred is a dynamic and passionate member of the Career and Leadership Development team at Chicago Transit Authority since November 2019. With her infectious enthusiasm and warm personality, Natalie brings learning experiences to life, creating engaging and interactive sessions that participants won’t forget.
As a lifelong learner herself, Natalie holds two Master’s degrees—one in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and another in Leadership and Workplace Conflict Resolution. She’s also earned graduate certificates in Emotional Intelligence for Leaders and Transformational Coaching, showcasing her commitment to personal and professional growth.
Natalie’s true calling lies in guiding emerging leaders on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves. As a certified Career Coach, DiSC Practitioner, and Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, she has the tools and expertise to help individuals uncover their unique talents and strengths, empowering them to thrive in their roles and achieve career success.
With her extensive background in instructional design and program management, Natalie crafts learning experiences that are both informative and engaging, ensuring that participants not only gain valuable knowledge but also enjoy the process. Her approachable nature and genuine passion for helping others make her an invaluable asset to the team and a trusted mentor to those she works with.
Bryan Robinson
Director of Bus Maintenance
Bryan K. Robinson is currently the Chicago Transit Authority, Director/Mechanical Officer of Bus Maintenance South. Bryan supervises and manages the authority’s maintenance facilities that consist of 1900 bus fleet and 1500 maintenance employees. Bryan has 10 years of experience in the Transit Industry, beginning as a Maintenance Manager, receiving promotions to Senior Manager, General Manager, and his current position.
Bryan has a leadership background from his 23 year U.S Marine Corps career as well as his involvement in numerous military and community volunteer organizations. Bryan became a member of COMTO- Chicago in 2017 and received Department of Transportation TSSP Certificates in Transit Bus & Rail Programs. He served as President for the COMTO – Chicago Chapter from 2020- 2022.
Youth Participants
My name is Sowmya Monroe, and I am a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago, where I majored in marketing, economics, and data science. My academic journey has provided me with a solid foundation in both creative marketing strategies and analytical, data-driven decision-making. I applied these skills to real-world challenges during my three-year tenure as a brand management intern at the CTA, and this role provided me with invaluable hands-on experience and unique opportunities, such as participating in the Iyai Innovation Challenge for a second consecutive year.
Outside of my academic and professional endeavors, I have a passion for travel and have explored numerous cities and countries, which has enriched my understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. Looking ahead, I aspire to combine my expertise in marketing with my love for travel by pursuing a career in international marketing. I am particularly interested in roles focused on market research and brand management, where I can leverage my skills to help develop impactful marketing campaigns for a company.
My name is Matthew Almendras, and I recently graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) with a BA in Public Policy. I started at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) as a Government and Community Relations (GCR) intern in November of 2022. I interned at the CTA, specifically in GCR, because I love working on policy and bringing people together. In understanding the importance that public transportation has on millions of Chicagoans, I am motivated to contribute to making public transit a more accessible and reliable service and progress public transit as people’s first choice for their commutes. My passion for the CTA, which has grown since starting as an intern, is a driving factor for my participation in the Innovation Challenge.
Outside of the CTA, I served as the President of the Undergraduate Student Government at UIC for two years- my most prominent work included creating a program that promotes the creation of free textbooks, a program that provides meals to food-insecure students, and integrating “mental health days” in the UIC academic calendar.
My name is Cameron Rozek and I am a mechanical engineering student at the University of Illinois Chicago, as well as an engineering intern for CTA’s Infrastructure Department. I have two years working in transit and have always had an appreciation for public transportation and the utility it provides to everyone.
I frequently work with maintenance of critical infrastructure supporting the operation of CTA service including our subway system, seven bus garages, 12 rail shops and hundreds of smaller facilities. I truly enjoy the wide variety of work I encounter in this unique role.
Outside of CTA, I am part of my school’s Formula SAE racing team where we design and build and compete in student made racecars. In addition, I enjoy working on home projects and my own car.
I’m Jake Lang and I am 25 years old with just under two years of experience working in transit. After completing my Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago, I joined the Chicago Transit Authority as an analyst with Performance Management. Today, I work as a Senior Analyst, where I drive change by developing new metrics, optimizing workflows to redefine data accessibility, and managing infrastructure to support daily field operations.
Outside of work, I dedicate my time to refinishing furniture, painting, reading and powerlifting. I’m always looking for new ways to develop skills and familiarize myself with different fields, and I want to make sure others have that opportunity. I joined this team to do just that, partnering with folks from across the agency to help reinspire how the CTA drives Chicago. Through hard-fought, innovative work, I know we can set new standards, improve everyday travel and make sure everyone gets home right on time.
My name is Feliciti Crowder and I am going into my fourth year at the University of Illinois at Chicago this fall. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and a minor in Public Policy. I plan to continue my education at UIC and pursue a Master’s degree in Urban Planning & Policy.
Currently, I am a year-long intern at the Chicago Transit Authority in the Board Offices department. During my time at the CTA, I have held 2 other intern positions with the Compensation & Benefits Department and the Rail Operations Department, which have provided me with professional development and hands-on experience and allowed me to participate in the IYAI+ Innovation Challenge for 2 years.
Along with my academic and professional experience, I am also an active member of the Chicago chapters of WTS, COMTO, APA, and YPT. Within my future and my career, I hope to be a part of a process that promotes public transportation as a convenient and reliable option for all individuals equitably and safely and creates deeper, interconnected communities.